The Halloween spirit is alive and well this spooky season, but some states across the U.S. may be “more haunted” than others.
BonusFinder, an online database, ranked all 50 states and Washington, D.C., then calculated a score based on a variety of factors to help establish the “spookiest” states.
From the mounting tales of ghostly encounters to a wealth of haunted sites dotting the landscape, BonusFinder has cultivated a vivid picture of America’s haunted reputation. Ghost stories cling to places like morning fog, creating a rich tapestry of the eerie and the inexplicable.
“Whether it’s spine-chilling ghost stories, eerie abandoned buildings or local legends that just won’t die, America is rich in paranormal activity,” BonusFinder shared in its report.
“Prepare to explore the spookiest corners of the nation as we reveal the most haunted U.S. states that are bound to give you goosebumps!”
The Haunting Ranking of U.S. States
Each state earned its ranking through an intricate score based on four specific criteria connected to the overall population. This thoughtful methodology ensures a more nuanced understanding of America’s haunted locales.
The database not only assists players in unimposing casino bonus hunts, it brings together something much more intriguing — the ethereal whispers of the departed. For this study, data was sourced from Find a Grave, a rich repository of cemetery records, complemented by insights from the Ghosts of America website and various other resources.
1. Maine: A Phantasmic Paradise
At the apex of haunted states, Maine boasts a “haunting score” of 8.11 out of 10. With legends echoing from the haunted halls of Fort Knox and the unsettling tales of the Wadsworth-Longfellow House, it stands as an eerie treasure for thrill-seekers.
The Pine Tree State is home to 7,226 cemeteries, 169 haunted places, 781 ghost sightings, and 12 dedicated paranormal investigators. Maine has the third-most ghostly encounters in the nation, trailing only Iowa and Arkansas.
The state also features a prolific cemetery presence, with 51.54 burial grounds per 10,000 residents, which lends an undeniable weight to its haunted character.
In this spooky land, local residents share furtive glances, their knowing smiles masking secrets that might chill the blood of the uninitiated.
2. West Virginia: A Cauldron of Legend
Ranked second with a “haunting score” of 8.00, West Virginia is steeped in folklore, from the eerie Mothman to the unsettling aura of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. This state has enchanted ghost hunters and history buffs alike.
With 19,669 cemeteries, 159 haunted locations, 613 ghost sightings, and 7 paranormal investigators, West Virginia boasts the highest cemetery density, with 111.37 per 10,000 residents. This confluence of spooky locations garners a ninth-place finish for ghost sightings and a tenth for haunted sites, leaning heavily into its rich ghostly narrative.
Perhaps it’s the misty Appalachian hills that cradle these stories, each twisted root and ancient tree holding witness to secrets untold.
3. Kentucky: Beyond the Bluegrass
Claiming third place, Kentucky offers a “haunting score” of 7.7. The state is saturated with its own unique ghostly charm, including the infamous Waverly Hills Sanatorium, considered one of the most haunted places worldwide.
Its tally includes 45,965 cemeteries, 412 haunted sites, 1,257 ghost sightings, and 19 paranormal investigators. Kentucky ranks second in cemetery density, boasting 101.23 sites per 10,000 residents, an impressive figure that adds weight to its haunted stature.
Behind the echoes of banjos and the rich aroma of bourbon lies a haunting tale waiting to unfold, buried beneath layers of bluegrass history.
4. North Dakota: The Silent Spirit
North Dakota emerges as the fourth-holiest haunted state, securing a score of 7.67. Though its wide-open plains might project calmness, they are underpinned by tales of unrest.
The state lays claim to 2,420 cemeteries, 89 haunted sites, 409 ghost sightings, and 7 paranormal investigators, boasting the highest ratio of ghost sightings per capita, with an unsettling 5.18 sightings per 10,000 residents. This land of rugged beauty, perhaps too often underestimated, hides its own deep narrative.
Much like the rolling dark clouds above its prairies, the weight of history rests heavy upon its shoulders, with tales waiting to be echoed into the void.
5. Vermont: Whispers of the Wilderness
Vermont rounds out the list at fifth place, carrying a “haunting score” of 7.55. Its lush, ancient forests and historic towns foster an ethereal ambiance, perfect for ghostly tales.
Here, the state possesses 1,925 cemeteries, 90 haunted locations, 243 ghost sightings, and 6 paranormal investigators. Vermont enjoys the second-highest number of haunted places per capita, at 1.39 per 10,000 residents—a statistic that speaks volumes of its supernatural allure.
Every winding road, every rustling leaf holds a story. The presence of the past here feels alive, almost reverent, like a whispered promise of long-lost souls longing to be found.
Shapes of Shadows: A Broader Canvas
Beyond these states lie countless other regions shrouded in their own haunted mysteries. California, Texas, and Ohio, too, could share tales worthy of a campfire ghost story. Kentucky has the most cemeteries, each holding the echoes of lives once lived, while Texas and California are known for their astonishing ghostly apparitions. Such rich diversity in haunted tales weaves together an intricate legacy of the supernatural in America.
These findings spark curiosity, serving as a gentle nudge for the intrepid traveler — a reason to consider visiting these haunted locales. From ghost tours to quiet evenings spent in reputedly haunted inns, there are many opportunities to engage with America’s spectral side.
As for the states where haunted whispers linger in the air? You might find yourself in the midst of stories that transcend time, allowing a deeper understanding of the history and the heart of America.
